Franklin Adhesives & Polymers Launches APE-free PSA Technology

Published on 2010-09-10. Author :
SpecialChem

Franklin Adhesives & Polymers, a division of Franklin International, again stands on the forefront in the development of environmentally friendly adhesives with the introduction of revolutionary technology that enables the production of permanent pressure sensitive adhesives (PSAs) free of alkylphenol ethozylates (APEs).

APEs can be damaging to aquatic environments. They are used in the manufacture of many common consumer products, from detergent to adhesives, and often end up in wastewater treatment plants. Sludge from treated wastewater streams is used for agricultural applications and can end up in streams and rivers. There, they degrade into toxic chemicals that can damage the health and reproduction of birds, fish and mammals.

Because of these environmental hazards, the regulatory community is taking a look at APEs. Europe and Canada both have established guidelines for using APEs, and the U.S. is expected to follow suit.

Franklin Adhesives & Polymers is not waiting on U.S. regulation to address the risks of APEs. A staunch pioneer in the development of green adhesives, the division leads the way in the introduction of APE-free PSA technology. It can draw on this technology to provide products, under its Covinax brand, that meet label makers' requirements for varying degrees of peel, tack and shear. In fact, should a coater require an APE-free PSA, Franklin can design an APE-free version of any existing PSA to meet specific needs.

Based in Columbus, Ohio, U.S.A., Franklin International was established in 1935 and today is among the largest privately held manufacturers of adhesives, sealants and polymers for commercial and industrial applications. Franklin integrates its core competency - emulsion polymerization - into a broad product offering, including glues, adhesives, binders, films, sizing compounds and more. These products are distributed across six continents for use in construction, furniture manufacturing, millwork, filters, pressure-sensitive paper products and fiberglass reinforcement.